Although there is an external perception that a lack of continental football may actually aid the side next season, as has been the case in this campaign with Liverpool’s title challenge, that is not the view at the top levels of the club. The Glazers see such games as exceptionally significant in terms of revenue, particularly given the level of attendance that United usually guarantee.

Club sources have told ESPN FC that the “cold reality” of failing to qualify for the Champions League has hit the owners since last month's quarterfinal elimination by Bayern Munich, with the manager’s situation now having changed again since the initial last-16 victory over Olympiakos.

The 3-0 second-leg win in that tie seemed to have secured Moyes’ status, but it is understood his position is no longer quite so safe.

That latest shift reflects some of the debate that has gone at boardroom level regarding Moyes’ performance, and the way the pendulum of opinion has swung.

ESPN FC has been told doubts first properly grew among the hierarchy after January’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat at home to Swansea City, which was the initial point at which key figures had even contemplated that the manager’s tenure perhaps should not be as long term as initially anticipated. Since then, the Glazers have also taken a much more active interest in weekly performance.